Theresa Rita Sansone (nee La Manna), 94, died in Albuquerque, NM on November 5, 2012. She was born in New York City, NY on July 17, 1918 and lived in Watchung , NJ from 1950 -1995. Mrs. Sansone was an elementary school teacher and taught in Cranford, Greenbrook, and Watchung over a period of 39 years. She received a bachelor's degree from Trenton State College and a master of arts in education from Columbia University, New York in 1944. She is preceded in death by her parents Clementina and Joseph La Manna, two brothers, and four sisters. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Reno D. Sansone. Surviving are her children, Kenneth Sansone and wife, Rita, and daughter, Janis Sansone; five grandchildren: Robin (Chuck) Kurth, Kelly Sansone, Stacy Sansone, Jaime (Adam) Laxalt, Dr. Paul (Christy)Taylor; two great-grandchildren: Sage Lucia Kurth and Marianna Joy Taylor. Mom was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was always the teacher never missing an opportunity to share knowledge no matter where she was. She loved to travel, shop, and spend time with her grandchildren making frequent trips to New Mexico to be by them. The children could not wait to receive boxes filled to the brim with goodies from Nana's travels and small gifts special to each child. She was a devout Catholic never failing to say her prayers daily no matter how long the day, keeping the memory of each family and friend alive. Mom's laugh was contagious and her smile was remarkably unforgettable, so much so that in her younger days she was approached by Colgate to do commercials which her family graciously declined! Visiting will begin 9am on Saturday, November 17 at the Cusick Funeral Home, Somerville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated 10:15am at St. Ann's Church in Raritan. In lieu of flowers please remember Mom with a Mass card or donation to the charity of your choice.